Preity's rage, Nita's dug-out seat and IPL's serious act

The IPL can always use controversy. So when Kings XI owner Preity Zinta decided to leave her dimples in the stands and walk on to the ground in a violent mood, the spin-masters of the IPL must have been pretty happy.

The incident was definitely something to shake off the drudgery of the tournament but it also forces us question the role of the owners in the tournament. Are they there purely to make profits – which is how it should be – or are they there because they want to seen and heard?

Preity is someone we have focused on because of her actions but it’s interesting to note that Mumbai Indians co-owner Nita Ambani also sits in the dug-out with the team. Now, one can’t imagine her doling out advice to Sachin Tendulkar. But veteran cricket writer Ayaz Memon feels that such act only take away from the seriousness of the tournament.

“At some level, they want to tell us that the tournament is a serious one which will be used to groom youngsters and make them ready for international cricket and then you have the owners rushing onto the ground and talking to the fourth umpire. The two don’t match,” says Ayaz.

Of course, for a tournament to be taken seriously, the players also need to know that at some level their performances will be recognised. Over the last few years, the likes of the national selectors and even skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni have said that the IPL should not be the basis for selection.

“But really, this time round they don’t have an option. There is no other major tournament before the T20 World Cup so in essence, they will have to reply on the performances they see in this tournament. If Yusuf Pathan has a bad tournament, I don’t see him making it to the squad. Conversely, if Rahane continues with his form, he has to be picked,” Ayaz further added.